(Oct 2005)
Many of you know that the home of Bristol Canoe Club has been under jeopardy for a number of years, following the City Councils strategy to “improve” swimming facilities in the City.
In fact up to a month ago, it seemed likely that the pool would be closed along with its sister pool on the Gloucester Rd. However, the Council has now delayed their decision on Bristol South until adequate replacement facilities are available. I have also had it confirmed by Colleen Bevan (Head of Pools for the Council), that existing pool users will be given priority for bookings at a new pool.
I have had a number of conversations with the council to explain our concerns and requirements, and have also made contact with the new facility in Horfield, which is shortly to be opened. Horfield would be a good location (its closer to where Conor and Lisa live!), but the pool manager Gary Tegal has had applications from too many Clubs for the pool time available – including bloody students from UWE!!!! However, I have written to Gary asking for our name to be added to the waiting list, as a Canoe Club on their itinerary would offer more diversity in the provision of sporting facilities at the pool.
From what I see, the Club’s main needs include:
1. Provision of at least a 30m rectangular pool for 2 hours for both our beginner and polo sessions.
2. As the Bristol Canoe Club, we would certainly prefer a City based pool and continue our tradition of a Wednesday evening session.
3. Permission to use both Pool/Polo boats and river boats, provided they are suitably clean!
4. Ability to leave our cars outside the pool without the concern of vandalism/theft, which has occurred at other pools.
5. Sufficient height above the water, and the pool infrastructure to be “Polo Ball” protected – polo players know what I mean!
As a Club we have also benefited from Bristol South’s ability to allow the storage of boats, which has diminished over the years due to Health & Safety concerns along the side of the pool. I suspect this is unlikely in the future if and when we move, unless we provide some kind of secure storage outside.
It seems inevitable that our “home facilities” will change, and hopefully improve over time as Bristol South is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Unfortunately, the culture of our Club is dare I say “inward”, and needs to become more vocal on our requirements like other swimming, diving and water polo clubs. Avon Canoe Polo Club is also suffering immediate difficulties, as Filwood baths are shutting and they have to move.
Finally, the Club’s Committee needs to monitor the pool situation but I would suggest you ALL sign papers at the front desk (or email ‘matthew_symonds@bristol-city.gov.uk’) that has organized “Friends of Bristol South Pool”, to lobby the Council in keeping the pool open, and improve its facilities. They are having a meeting on Friday 25th November at 7-30pm in the Southville Centre.
So forget a boozy Friday night out – come along Nov 25th at 7-30pm and get stuck into supporting our pool!!
[ Unfortunately, this clashes with the club’s annual dinner! Ed. ]
Mark Gillett